DWI Cost of Disability Submission

In April 2026, Disabled Women Ireland (DWI) made a submission to the Government’s public consultation on the Cost of Disability . The submission outlines the financial challenges faced by disabled people in Ireland, highlighting both the additional costs associated with disability and the structural barriers that limit access to adequate income and supports. It also emphasises the intersectional nature of these issues, noting that disabled women and gender-diverse people may experience compounded disadvantages related to gender inequality, caring responsibilities, and barriers within healthcare and employment systems.

The submission identifies a number of key policy considerations, including the need for a dedicated Cost of Disability Payment, reforms to social welfare and taxation systems, and improvements across areas such as housing, transport, healthcare, and assistive technology. It also highlights the importance of ensuring that any reforms are accessible, effective, and informed by the lived experience of disabled people. The consultation is presented as an initial step, with DWI calling for a structured, ongoing process of engagement to support the development of long-term solutions.